I sigh in relief. “Oh.”
“You on your way?”
A couple of women walk by and notice my uniform. “Thank you for your service.”
I give them a nod. “I am. They are about to start boarding.”
“Oh, okay. I was hoping you had a minute.”
I knew the fact she called meant something was up. “What’s going on?”
“It’s just that my dad is pressuring me again to take on more responsibility in his business.”
She told me about this before, and for some reason, she doesn’t want to.
“What does he say when you tell him you aren’t interested?”
Seagulls caw in the background, indicating she’s outside.
“He says it’s my legacy. I didn’t tell you this, but I started at a different school. An art school. When my dad discovered I was pursuing a fine arts degree, well, he didn’t handle it well. He said he wouldn’t pay my tuition. He would only pay for a business degree. He made a call, and I was transferred to the university within the week.”
I haven’t met the man yet, but I’m not a fan. All I hear about is how he’s controlling Delaney.
“He told me majoring in business would ensure a future while art would not. But these business classes are so boring that I can barely stay awake in class.”
I rub my temple in an attempt to ward off the impending headache. Delaney is outspoken and strong, and I’m trying to understand why her dad is so controlling and why she’s letting him. “It’s really that important to him that you take over his business someday?” I mean, what other reason could there be? But construction is not something Delaney has any interest in, at least not based on what she’s told me. And she’s not his only child.
These are questions I can wait to ask her in person.
“His plan is that Duke and I take over. But that’s someday. Right now, I need to study.”
“Tell him that. You need more time to study and can’t take on more responsibilities right now.”
She squeals. I’ve never heard her squeal. Well, except that first week we met, but that was different. I shift uncomfortably as I’m getting semi-hard thinking about it.
“That’s a great idea. Thank you!”
“Now boarding,” the agent says on the overhead speaker.
I pick up my bag. “Boarding is starting, so I need to go.”
“Okay, I’ll see you soon!”
I end the call and follow the line onto the plane. I touch the ring box in my pocket. Ozzie’s words come back to me. Hell, I’ve been thinking about them since he said them. But I know this is right. I can only hope the perfect opportunity presents itself.
* * *
I exit the airport doors and step out to see cars, cabs, and a few shuttle buses. A horn honks, and I glance back. Delaney is smiling from the driver’s seat of her red Mercedes. The car is too flashy for me, but she radiates in it.
She pops the trunk. I toss in my bag, then hop into the passenger seat. She lunges at me and kisses me just like we haven’t missed a beat since I left months ago. Then she leans her forehead to mine. “I missed you.”
I grin. “I missed you, too.”
She straightens up and pulls out onto the road. “You’ll be staying in the pool house. I’m sorry it’s not the main house, but my dad wouldn’t be cool with that.”
Shit, she lives with her parents? I never did see where she lived. The week I was here, she stayed with me at my friend’s place.
“You live with your parents?” I ask, trying not to sound judgmental, but I am disappointed. My plans to stay in bed all week with her are now becoming unrealistic.
